I can't for the life of me understand why.
Posted on 08/23/2005 11:36:55 AM PDT by 4.1O dana super trac pak
Parma- The Irish have one. So do the Italians, the Greeks and the Puerto Ricans.
But Greater Cleveland's 40,000 Muslims have had no unifying festival to strengthen their bonds and to share their diverse cultures with the rest of their neighbors.
That all changed Saturday with the debut of SalaamFest 2005. The one-day event, held at the Islamic Center of Cleveland on West 130th Street, featured games and food as well as educational and cultural activities for both the faithful and the curious.
"The idea was to bring the community together," said Ali Khan, chairman of the organizing committee. "All the major mosques are involved. This is a start, hopefully."
The festival, which got a strong turnout despite scattered showers, grew out of a series of town hall meetings at Cleveland State University last year. Those discussions centered on the need to show the outside world - as well as Muslims themselves - that their religion is not the rigid, humorless dogma often portrayed in the media and popular culture.
To that end, games included "Pin the Black Stone on the Kaba," a new version of an old children's game.
Instead of using a donkey and tail, contestants try their luck placing the divine meteorite in the correct spot in the Kaba, the central shrine of Islam. The day even concluded with a Muslim comedy troupe called Allah Made Me Funny.
"A lot of people feel threatened by our religion, and a lot of Muslims are afraid of their own identity," said Hadele Banna of the Concerned Muslims of Greater Cleveland.
Local Muslims view the event as significant for several reasons.
First, the festival was organized by a diverse, grass-roots effort rather than by the mosques, which are usually distinguished by specific race and ethnic backgrounds.
Also, it comes at a time when Muslims throughout the nation - regardless of race or nationality - are still being stigmatized by the Sept. 11 attacks.
Finally, it gives the Muslim community here the kind of high-profile festival that Muslims in other U.S. and Canadian cities have enjoyed for years.
"We felt it was time in Cleveland to do this," said Muhammad Samad of the IntraCity Muslim Action Network.
Organizers were set to hold the event in downtown Cleveland but changed plans because of the cost and uncertainties about the turnout. But they hope to hold future festivals in a place where the entire Cleveland community can participate.
"Some people think Muslims are closed off and don't interact with their neighbors," said Julia Shearson, one of the organizers. "Nothing could be further from the truth."
Don't forget the "jihad relay" race.
I liked the "How to rape and infidel and burn down their church" seminar...
Pin the towel on the Muslim..?
I can think of another way to get the Muslim Festival off to a "good start."
I was going to guess "Pin the fuse on the suicide bomber".
I can't for the life of me understand why.
I always have a great time at Irish and Italian festivals in the Boston area.
I'll bet this Muslim festival was a million laughs.
Wonder it they played: "Stone the Adultress." That's always a real Muslim crowd pleaser, as far as I can tell.
No, stone the infidel.
Islam is not.
Comparing this gathering to an ethnic parade is deliberately deceptive - it is an ideological gathering which should be compared to Klan parades, Anarchist marches, etc.
"Muslim festival off to a good start"
How nice...
July 15,2005
"After London attack, cleric urges: 'Annihilate infidels' Less than a day after the terrorist bombings in London, the Palestinian Authority's official television channel broadcast a sermon calling for extermination of all non-Muslims. "Annihilate the Infidels and the Polytheists! Your [Allah's] enemies are the enemies of the religion!" said Suleiman Al-Satari in a July 8 broadcast translated by Israel-based Palestinian Media Watch, or PMW. "Allah," the cleric continued, "disperse their gathering and break up their unity, and turn on them, the evil adversities. Allah, count them and kill them to the last one, and don't leave even one." http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/1443850/posts
I much prefer the beverage selections at Irish festivals and Oktoberfests :) Somehow goats milk is not high on the list.
Alternate Headline: "Muslim Festival Opens With a Bang"
Owl_Eagle
(If what I just wrote makes you sad or angry,
I thought the "Innovations in Sidewalk Cafe Bombing" booth was especially interesting.
Oh, please
This might be an interesting thread.
I'm not impressed by a Muslim festival. I'd be impressed by a parade of thousands of Muslims carrying signs that read "God Bless America", and chanting "Down with Muslim terrorists! Down with CAIR!"
Will there be a hot dog ( all pork ) stand at the event?
The "martydom explosive vest race?"
'Course no one really wins that do they?
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